For Families

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of an adult experiencing symptoms of mental illness. The course is taught once a week by a team of trained NAMI family member volunteers who know what it’s like to have a loved one living with one of the brain disorders.

Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain and addictive disorders is provided. Up-to-date information about medications, current research related to the biology of brain disorders, workshops on problem solving, listening and communication techniques, acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse, gaining empathy for the person experiencing symptoms of mental illness, care for the family member, and advocacy initiatives are covered.

The NAMI Basics Education Program is a free course for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing symptoms of mental illness. The course is taught by trained teachers who are the parents or other caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness prior to the age of thirteen.

The course includes current information about Attention Deficit Disorder, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Childhood Schizophrenia, and Substance Abuse Disorders. Current research related to the biology of mental illness and most effective treatment strategies available, including medications used to treat mental illness in children and adolescents, is covered. Specific workshops to learn problem solving, listening and communication skills are taught. Information about the school and mental health system, personal record keeping, planning for crisis management and relapse, locating appropriate supports and services in the community, and advocacy issues are provided.

The NAMI Family Support Group is for family members of individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness. The group is led by trained support group facilitators who know what it’s like to have a loved one living with a brain disorder. The NAMI Support Group Model operates differently than other, more traditional ‘share and care’ groups. The model offers a set of key structures and group processes to use in common support group scenarios. They encourage participation by the entire group.

Some affiliates do not have separate support groups for family members and consumers. In this case, the groups may be combined. Contact your local affiliate for support group dates, times, and locations.